Between V Among

Understanding Between and Among

Both between and among are prepositions used to show relationships, but they are used in different contexts.

Using “Between”

We use between when talking about two people, things, or groups — or when we can clearly identify separate items.

  • She divided the cake between her two children.
  • There is a park between my house and the school.
  • The agreement was made between the teacher and the student.
  • He had to choose between tea and coffee.
Using “Among”

We use among when talking about more than two people or things — especially when they are part of a group and not seen as separate individuals.

  • The teacher walked among the students.
  • She shared the sweets among all the children.
  • There was a feeling of joy among the players.
  • He is popular among his colleagues.
Common Confusion

Sometimes, between is used for more than two items when they are distinct or clearly separated. For example:

  • The money was divided between the five partners. ✅ (specific individuals)
  • Friendship among the five partners grew strong. ✅ (as a group)
Practice: Between or Among?
  • He sat _______ his two best friends.
    He sat between his two best friends.
  • There was a disagreement _______ the members of the team.
    There was a disagreement among the members of the team.
  • The ball rolled _______ the chairs.
    The ball rolled between the chairs.
  • She shared her happiness _______ her friends.
    She shared her happiness among her friends.
  • The manager divided the tasks _______ the four workers.
    The manager divided the tasks between the four workers.
Mini Test

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:

  • There was a lot of excitement _______ the students before the results were announced.
    Among
  • The fight was _______ two boys in the playground.
    Between
  • She distributed the gifts _______ the five children.
    Between
  • He found himself _______ strangers at the party.
    Among